Social networks are an integral part of our daily lives. Whether in our personal (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) or professional life (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.), we login on average more than once a day on our networks. But do you know how to protect them from hackers?
1- Inactive accounts
Accounts that you don't use frequently or at all anymore can be an ideal attack vector for cybercriminals. This is because if they are not used often, the chances that their passwords have recently been changed are low, which helps criminals to easily take control of them. By using accounts that you don't monitor, these malicious people can post fraudulent content in your name or send viruses to your contacts. Therefore, it is important to enable two-factor authentication as soon as possible, monitor your social network accounts periodically and if you are not using them enough, consider closing or deactivating the account in the social network settings.
2- Phishing and malware
As Internet users become more vigilant about email phishing, cybercriminals are turning to social networks where their attacks have higher success rates. An account that you subscribe to on social networks may have been compromised and could entice you to click on malicious links. For example, the hacker could contact you and make you believe that you have won products and that all you have to do is pay for delivery by clicking on a link. Do not click on the link and do not enter your banking information in a form! This type of scam can also be used in the comments section, so report any comment promising money or free products.
3- Unlocked devices
If your social media accounts are connected to your laptop or cell phone, it is important to secure them with strong passwords and a second authentication factor such as your facial recognition as soon as possible. If your devices are lost or stolen and not secured, a malicious person could access your social networks and post malicious or fraudulent content in your name.
4- Logging out of accounts
When using social networks, it is important to remember to log out of your session periodically. This way, if a hacker manages to gain access to your device, he won't be able to access your social network accounts because he will have to authenticate himself.
5- Unique passwords
It is essential not to choose identical passwords for all your accounts. If one of them is compromised because of a flaw you don't know, they will be available to all cybercriminals in databases gathering all compromised passwords. They can then be used by these criminals to access other social network accounts, bank accounts or business accounts. So use passwords that are unique to each platform and you can use a password manager that is known to be secure to organize and remember them.
6- Be careful what you post publicly
Check your privacy settings on all your social networks to make sure your posts remain private. Whether your accounts are private or public, it's important not to post information that could help cybercriminals do reconnaissance on you. For example, if your pet's name appears on your social pages, don't choose it as a security password. Also be careful with the background of your photographs. Often, Internet users do not notice that confidential business information or bank cards are visible on their computer in the background of a photo. Today, criminals can even go so far as to clone the keys to your home from a photograph where they are visible and break into your home while you are away. It is important to remember that it is also important not to publish information about your vacation dates.
Now you know some tips to protect yourself from hackers. Cybersecurity is important to protect you, your loved ones and your organization, so don't take it lightly.